Reconciling Works

1. People of all Sexualities and Gender Identities Appear in all Population Groups Certain individuals in foreign countries claim that they did not have people of diverse sexual orientations in their society until westerners brought it to them.  A variety of sexual orientations and gender identites are present in all populations, estimated at ranges from […]

“When one congregation or a group of congregations gather for service in their local communities, they are the church in that place, taking care of that part of God’s vineyard.  But this is all work that we do together.” These are words so eloquently spoken by Bishop Elizabeth Eaton about the ELCA’s annual “God’s Work. […]

The Rev. Paul A. Tidemann, a ceaseless advocate for full inclusion of LGBT people in the life of the church and of society, died on Saturday, July 26, 2014, at 77 years old.

The Rev Anita Hill, ReconcilngWorks Regional 3 Coordinator, ordained extraordinarily at a ceremony presided by Paul in 2001, says of her long time mentor, colleague and friend, “Paul was one of the best preachers I have ever heard. A thoughtful theologian, writer, liturgist and pastoral presence, it was an honor and privilege to have served with him. Paul’s saying, ‘There is nothing that one is or one does that can set one outside the active love and grace of God’ is forever etched in my mind.”

“Today President Obama signed an executive order prohibiting federal contractors from workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity.  Significantly, the president’s order does not include any new religious exemptions.  While many media outlets have announced this news as protections for gay workers, it’s important to note that transgender and bisexual workers are also included in this order.  President Obama’s action will protect approximately 28 million employees in 24,000 companies that hold federal contracts.

ReconcilingWorks celebrates the life and ministry of Bishop Emeritus Stanley E. Olson, former bishop of the Pacific Southwest Synod of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA), one of the predecessor churches merged into the ELCA. Bishop Olson died on July 2, 2014, in Sacramento, California, at 87 years old. 

Ordained in 1952, Bishop Olson’s ministry was marked by his commitment to social justice — civil rights in the 1960s and an early champion of full inclusion of LGBT people in the life of the Lutheran church. 

“Bishop Olson spoke out for full inclusion and the rights of LGBT people when that was not a popular thing to do. Preaching at the first national convening of Lutherans Concerned in 1980, he continued his public witness for a church that lives up to the promise of Christ – that all are welcome,” Aubrey Thonvold, ReconcilingWorks Interim Executive Director said.